What is the best dairy free diet for a growing child?

Question

My son currently only drinks non-dairy formula. He is at step 2 for solids. I've mainly been giving him rice cereal, fruits, veggies, oatmeal and then formula. I've been told that babies need whole milk not only for calcium but because the fat in it helps with motor skills or something like that. We are also trying to stay as fresh and raw as possible as well. What would a daily diet look like for him? How does the food pyramid look for our lifestyle? Thanks!

Answer 1

You may find useful info here:
www.vegetarianbaby.com

In any case you might want to consult a good pediatrician.

Also realize that in China, other Asian countries, and other places around the world they consume little dairy and it's been that way for a long time. So it's perfectly normal to not need dairy from cows or other non-human animals. Being "lactose tolerant" largely came from the Northern European region of the world. So no surprise if the information you get is from that cultural bent they will say to drink milk.

Answer 2

#1 I would consult a physician before any serious diet changes, especially for a child, however that being said....

On a site regarding Dairy Free I came across this info:

What do I need to avoid?
To avoid milk and milk products ask about ingredients at restaurants and others’ homes, read food labels, and become familiar with the technical or scientific terms for milk. The following list is not complete. Consult with a healthcare professional if you are planning to omit milk from your diet or your child’s diet. Many Americans receive the majority of their calcium intake from dairy products. Therefore, when switching to a dairy-free diet, taking calcium supplements is often advisable.

Baked goods such as pancakes, biscuits, muffins, cakes, crackers, baking mixes (read labels for dairy product ingredients)
Au gratin foods
Butter
Buttermilk
Calcium caseinate
Candy (especially creams and chocolate)
Casein
Cheese
Cheese sauces
Chocolate milk and drinks
Coffeemate
Cold cuts (such as bologna)
Cottage cheese
Cream
Creamed or scalloped foods
Curds
Dry cereals containing milk powder, such as some granolas
Dry milk powder
Dry milk solids
Evaporated milk
Fondues
Grated cheese
Gravies (some)
Ice cream
Malted milk
Margarine (most)
Meat loaf and patties (some)
Milk: whole, skim, 1%, and 2%
Milk shakes
Milk sherbets
Nondairy creamers (most)
Non-kosher luncheon meats (some)
Ovaltine
Puddings (most)
Sausage (some)
Sodium caseinate
Wieners (some)
Whey
White sauces
Yogurt
Best bets
Milk substitutes:

Soy milk
Rice milk
Almond milk
Other grain beverages and dairy substitutes
Nondairy products:

Margarine
Nondairy ice cream
Nondairy chocolate
Nondairy cheese
Nondairy yogurt
Other milk-free or nondairy products

Here is a link to the page I was reading, along with a couple of others for more info:

http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/health/Diet/Dairy_Free_Diet.htm

http://www.growingkids.co.uk/LactoseFreeDiet.html

http://www.picknpay.com/health/allergies_sub2.html

http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/5-nutrients-your-child-may-be-missing

Good luck, hope I helped some!

Answer 3

Okay, what you need to do to make sure that your son is getting 'everything' he needs to grow strong and be smart ... so take a 'good look' at the dairy foods and what vitamins and minerals and 'fats' they contain, and then look at the food you eat and see if you can't 'find something' that your son can eat that will 'fit your style' ... and if that is 'too difficult' you can just add a 'vitamin/mineral pill' and put some 'vegetable fat' (oil, margarine, etc.) onto his 'good vegies' ... and I think that you should 'give him lots of potatoes' with his meals at least once a day, so you'll have a 'good way' to 'sneak the stuff' in that he 'needs' ... you can 'boil them' or 'bake them' and then 'dress them up' so he'll think he's getting a 'real treat' ... while you are giving him 'what he needs to be strong and smart.'